Jo&Rich

We used to see a lot when we lived in Coombabah, not far from you. Near the AWL off Brisbane Road, there are often some knocking about. On the other side, on Rain Tree Glen, off Pine Ridge Road, there is a long road that leads past a little airfield strip up to a water treatment place; we've often seen little gangs in that area. Lakeside Country Club on Brisbane Road has a golf course that has a few kangaroos knocking about if you play. We see the odd few about on Pacific Pines on occasion, they are awesome.

Thanks for the heads up about the council info, will have a look later. My kids are 6, 8 and 9, and like Laguna Park at Palm Beach and Southport Broadwater Play Park (there's a big jumping pillow, rock pools water area, lots of things there). We on the northern end, and I usually just stay local, and take them to Flooded Gum Park in Maudsland (as we can walk there) and Central Park in Pacific Pines.

http://www.thespiceavenue.com.au/# Advertises as "British Indian Cuisine". I still haven't gone, but know several people who travel up from the Gold Coast, they rate it that highly.

Hiya Matt, we'll come. Me and hubby, kids are 9, 8 and 6. Jo

Nah, you'll be fine in winter. Summer, in Brissy on the other hand... :wink:

And arriving in Brisbane means theres also an Ikea to get household bits and bobs

We're with Origin for electricity and Telstra for phone and internet; don't think either are the winners on price or service! Have heard good things about TPG for broadband, so will keep an eye on this thread, cos am also interested.

We did similar, went back after nearly two years on a 136 visa (old version of 175). Three small kids, lack of family support. Just to add to Peach's reply, before we left, my hubby was able to do a tax return early stating he was leaving the country permanently (he was self-employed and wanted to pay what he owed). We ended up coming back to Australia after 4 months though, and have been here this time over three and a half years, getting citizenship last year. As you identified, you never know what will happen, and are best off to know where you stand. Best of luck whatever you decide x

Hi, as Petals has mentioned, there are plenty of threads on the forum re the GC. We are in Maudsland, just behind Pacific Pines, (not too far from Hope Island) and have 3 kids, 9, 8 and 6, and are really happy with this area. It depends if you want to be nearer the beach, or nearer to work. We are on the northern Gold Coast, so it's much closer to Stapylton, but further from the beaches! We are well serviced for good shops, schools and amenities such as libraries, doctors, train station etc, and the motorway is close for easy access to Brisbane and the beaches. Most of the theme parks are up this end, so if you were to buy an annual pass it's great for the kids. TBH, you probably won't go far wrong whichever suburb you choose; it may be dependent on budget, rental availability, and your choice of proximity to work or the beach. PM me if you have any questions etc, and good luck with your move! Jo

Most English people I met on the Gold Coast were southern when we got here (2007), but now, I do seem to meet more northerners; sweet! (Yep, another Northerner here lol)

We renewed our UK ones from Aus too, it's starting to add up lol

Yep, we need to get them, but it is over $800 for the five of us :eek:

We have dual citizenship, and are keeping our British passports (actully, haven't got Australian ones yet, and have been citizens for a year). I think having a British passport may make travel around Europe easier?

Coolum Beach Coolum Beach

View from Burleigh Heads Surf Club at dusk Cockatoos having a drink from our pool View of the Broadwater from Castaway Bay, Seaworld

Hi, the quivalent to a PGCE would be a Graduate Diploma in Education, either in Early Years, Primary or Secondary. Quick Google search should tell you where it is available near you, and you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place, depending on your visa status etc, which would reduce the fees. I was accepted on one at Griffith Uni on the Gold Coast, and it would have cost me about $6000 ish (didn't go ahead with it). Guess fees will vary state to state, Uni to Uni! It seemed pretty similar to a PGCE, but someone who has studied for one will probably have more information than me. Good luck whatever you decide.

Dexter is brilliant; we started watching it after a recommendation, and would watch three episodes a night at times! Watched 7 series, ready for the new one now. Also recommed Game of Thrones; it was a bit hard to get into, all the characters etc, but now I'm addicted. House was another favorite, again, through recommendation. Also watch Stella, and Scott and Bailey; other comedies that are good are Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory. Want to start on House of Cards, but think I will wait until Game of Thrones has finished, cos I'm watching too much telly at the moment!

Doubt you can do much either, but it makes you think twice about booking with them again! We booked Coolangatta to Sydney a couple of months ago for in July with Tiger Airways, and last week had an email telling us our flights had been put back from mid morning to early evening; too late for us, (as we need to be in Sydney to watch wrestling that night :jiggy:). We had to change flights to a day earlier, therefore having to pay an extra nights hotel (for 5 people), car parking and kennels. The cheap flights we booked are now not such a bargain! Hope you get it resolved

Hi, we live not too far away in Maudsland. Hope Island is a nice area, (which is reflected in that it's quite pricey!). Not too far from the motorway, shops etc. One drawback is there are no schools in the suburb; you'll have to drive a little way, not certain but think the catchment is Coombabah (Primary and High Schools) if you are not sending your kids private. My son is ten in july, other kids are 8 and 6; pm me if you have any questions etc, will help if we can, or meet up for a drink. Jo

Let me know if you fancy a brew one day Sheryl

Watersheddings; hubby's from Lees. Used to drive through Failsworth everyday for years to get to Uni :biggrin: (and to go the the big Tesco when it opened lol)

Hi, we're from Oldham too, and live in Maudsland, just behind Pacific Pines. It's always nice to hear a familiar accent when out and about!

Hi Alison, know what you mean about losing track of people! Unfortunately I'm one of the ones with little kids, but if you fancy a coffee one day let me know? Tracy, tried to PM you but it comes up that I'm not allowed! Please PM me if you would like to meet up, I live in Park Lake, so just behind Pac Pines.

Hi, I'm Jo, I used to be a regular on this site but haven't been on for a while :embarrassed: I've lived on the Gold Coast on and off since September 2007, (ping pong Pom!), and would love to meet some more new people. I'm 35, don't work, and now my youngest is at school I find myself talking to my dog for company! I live in Maudsland (Park Lake), just behind Pacific Pines, so please pm me if you are free and would like to have a coffee.